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March - April 2007

Bienvenidos! In March we at Olvera-Street.com celebrate beloved heroes who made great sacrifices for the people and nations they loved. People like Cesar Chavez and President Benito Juarez, who both celebrate birthdays in the third month. At least they probably would if they were still alive. In honor of them, we encourage you to make a difference within your community, your family and friends. Volunteer to help someone. Or an animal, like the ones that will be one display at the Olvera Street Blessing of the Animals procession April 7. One person can make such a world of difference. Your heart will be well rewarded. Should you like to share your story of inspiration, please submit it to us. We look forward to hearing from you. (Type “Hero” on the subject line.) Make sure to join us in celebration of Cheech Marin’s exquisite “The Chicano Collection” art exhibition at the Pico House Gallery. The collection is remarkable. And then there’s more... the Music Center Speakers Series will present President George H. W. Bush, and the honorable Madeleine Albright this month. In addition, the Joffrey Ballet. Don’t forget the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Celebration at Pershing Square. Start looking for your lucky four-leaf-clover before you start mingling with our friendly and mischievous green leprechauns. Finally, don’t miss, former President William Jefferson Clinton who will make a special appearance as part of the 2007 Music Center Speaker Series on Sunday, April 15 at PM at the Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Upcoming Events on Olvera Street!             (Last Minute Addition!) Join us in celebration of the exhibition Community Reception Cheech Marin Presents The Chicano Collection Saturday, March 24, 2007 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM Pico House Gallery El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument 424 N. Main St., Los Angeles, CA 90012 On view free of charge February 24–April 10, 2007 (10 AM to 3 PM daily), this exhibition includes 26 fine art giclée prints that depicting images of urban life and the Chicano experience during 1969 through 2001. Also displayed are original linocut print portraits by Artemio Rodriguez of the featured artists.   Exhibition tour sponsored by Bank of America and Farmers Insurance. This Los Angeles presentation is made possible by Melissa Richardson Banks of CauseConnect with special thanks to Sandra & Ruben Islas of the Alexandria Hotel. For more information: INFO: (213) 485-8432 • mariann.gatto@lacity.org               Mexican Cultural Institute “CESAR E. CHAVEZ DAY” Saturday, March 31, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Olvera Street will be celebrating the birthday honoring contributions of Mexican American labor leader Cesar Estrada Chavez. Cesar Chavez Day will be celebrated on Olvera Street Saturday, March 31 with a keynote speaker from UCLA, a film about Cesar Chavez, activities for children, live entertainment, workshops, and a children’s parade around the plaza slated from 10 AM to 3 PM. The late birthday boy, Mexican American labor leader Chavez is the only Latino to have a state holiday declared in his name. Chavez’s influence goes well beyond the lettuce and grape fields of Central California to Cesar Chavez Boulevard on Olvera Street’s northern border  Chavez founded and led the first successful farm workers' union in U.S. history and was the recipient of the highest medals citizens can be awarded: the Presidential Medal of Freedom by the United States and the Aguila Azteca of México. For more information contact (213) 624-3660. To learn more about Cesar E. Chavez, click here! “Preservation of one's own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures.” Cesar Chavez               JOIN US! A Freeze Relief Food Drive  SATURDAY, MARCH 31st, 2007 HISTORIC OLVERA STREET! Farm workers face a time of crisis, please help!!! On January 12th, California was hit by a week-long freeze that devastated the Central Valley*s citrus industry and will leave at least 28,000 farm workers unemployed. Some workers will face foreclosure, eviction or be forced to choose between paying their utility bills or feeding their children. We need your help to ensure that farm workers receive the emergency assistance they need in this time of crisis. A Freeze Relief Food Drive is in effect and all non-perishable food and toiletries are requested. The largest L.A. Collection day & site will be at the 9th Annual Cesar  E. Chavez Day Walk & Festival on Sat. March 31st. Please make monetary donations to "Citrus Freeze Relief Fund", c/o UFW Foundation, P.O. Box 62, Keene, CA 93531   For more information, contact: Felicia Montes, Chavez Walk & Festival Director UFW Foundation Telephone: (323) 722-0118 Fax: (323) 722-8263 e-mail: cesarchavezwalk@yahoo.com             Call To Action!     Sign the Petition for a National Cesar E. Chavez Holiday! The United Farm Workers and the Cesar E. Chavez Foundation are proud to support the grassroots efforts of the Cesar E. Chavez National Holiday Coalition. Cesar Chavez was in Sen. Robert F. Kennedy’s words, "one of the heroic figures of our time." He led the historic non-violent movement for farm worker rights and dedicated himself to building a movement of poor working people that extended beyond the fields and into cities and towns across the nation. He inspired farm workers and millions of people who never worked on a farm to commit themselves to social, economic and civil rights activism. Chavez's legacy, like the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., continues to educate, inspire and empower people from all walks of life. He is a role model for all Americans and for generations to come. Help ensure all Americans learn about Chavez's life and work. The Cesar Chavez National Holiday Coalition is gathering signatures on petitions asking Congress to designate March 31, Chavez's birthday and the day the United Farm Workers was founded, as National Cesar Chavez Day. Sign the petition today. Ensure Chavez's legacy is recognized and celebrated throughout our nation with a federal paid holiday and a day of service and learning in our public schools. To sign the petition visit: http://www.ufwaction.org To learn more about Cesar Chavez, click here!               77th ANNUAL BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS ON OLVERA STREET Saturday, April 7th 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Old MacDonald has a farm, and on the afternoon of April 7 he intends to parade his zoo to Olvera Street for the 77th annual Blessing of the Animals. From goats to iguanas and dogs to dragon lizards, the procession will begin in the Mexican Marketplace at 2 PM with the traditional blessing to follow. A cow covered with a blanket of flowers will lead the elaborate procession down Olvera Street. The bovine is believed to be the animal which provides the most to humanity. At least, that's what the beef producers and the mega-dairies would have us believe. After the procession, Roman Catholic Cardinal Roger M. Mahony will fling holy water in at the pets; something that never seems to please the felines that are brought in for the show. Musical groups will entertain the gathering and non-profit animal organizations will be on hand, along with a petting zoo complete with camels, llama, cows and other beasts. It's all free, and brought to you by the friendly Olvera Street Merchants. The centuries-old ceremony of Blessing of the Animals dates back to the fourth century when San Antonio de Abad was known as the Patron Saint of the Animal Kingdom. In those days, the people would take their animals to the priest to receive a blessing and ask for fertility and health. Olvera Street is part of El Pueblo Historical Monument and is located between Main and Alameda Streets in downtown Los Angeles. Public parking is available at nearby lots on Main, Los Angeles and Alameda Streets. Public transportation is also available via the Metrolink, MTA rail and bus service to Union Station. For more information on the Blessing of the Animals please call (213) 625-7074 or (213) 485-8372. To learn about the history of the Blessing of the Animals, click here!             Somebody’s Children News About Our World Update Iraq War At Olvera-Street.com, the spirit of giving, understanding, compassion, and support goes far beyond our doors.   As of March 12, 2007, according to a CNN count: “There have been 3,451 coalition deaths -- 3,193 Americans, two Australians, 134 Britons, 13 Bulgarians, six Danes, two Dutch, two Estonians, one Fijian, one Hungarian, 32 Italians, one Kazakh, three Latvian, 19 Poles, two Romanians, five Salvadoran, four Slovaks, 11 Spaniards, two Thai and 18 Ukrainians -- in the war in Iraq. That is 83 more deaths since February 8, 2007. The list at CNN are the names of the soldiers, Marines, airmen, sailors and Coast Guardsmen whose deaths have been reported by their country's governments. The list also includes seven employees of the U.S. Defense Department. At least 23,417 U.S. have been wounded in action, according to the Pentagon. That is 583 more than last month. In 2004 we honored the 1250 Americans who had died in the Iraqi desert; that list has now grown with an additional 2,201 lives cut short. Note: May 1, 2007 will mark the four-year anniversary when President Bush announced “Mission Accomplished!” and the end of hostilities in Iraq. The first “Altar of the Iraq War” was created on October 28, 2004 to honor and respect the memories and lives of all those who have died. NOTE: The figures do not count the estimated 100,000-200,000 Iraqi deaths, including women and children. * (The "Altar of the Iraq War" honoring the dead was created by six artists: Ginette Rondeau, Juliane Backmann, Al Herion, Bonjunnie Comostiles, Gabriela Quintero, and John Trausch. The altar does not necessarily reflect the thoughts of the Olvera Street merchants or El Pueblo Historic Monument.) We send our love to them, their families, and dear friends. The “Altar of the Iraq War” was re-created at last year’s “El Amor Eterno” Dia De Los Muertos Juried Exhibition at El Pueblo Gallery. The altar was dedicated to their memories so they won’t be forgotten, true to the meaning and spirit of íDa De Los Muertos!             Mailbox to Heaven” created by Ginette Rondeau     “Mailbox to Heaven” If you know someone who died in the Iraq War and would like to share your story in honor of his or her memory, please submit it to webmaster@Olvera-Street.com Just make sure you write “Stories to Share” in the subject line of your email. To write a private letter to a beloved one, visit: www.MailboxToHeaven.com The Mailbox to Heaven was featured at the Pico House Gallery for the Annual Dia De Los Muertos Juried Exhibition, October 28 - November 26, 2006         Supporting the Arts and Our Community “Events Around Town”             Friday, March 16, 2007 St. Patrick's Day Celebration 11:30 AM at Pershing Square 532 South Olive Street, Los Angeles Dublin 4 concert will start immediately following the parade. Food and drinks will be available. For more information about: Parade: (310) 537-4240 or www.pageantryproductions.com Concert: (213) 847-1970 or e-mail: pershing.square@lacity.org or visit www.laparks.org Presented by The Los Angeles St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee and the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks               The Music Center Speaker Series launches the 2007 Series Receive up to $10 off* The Honorable George H. W. Bush! Monday, March 12, 2007 @ 8:00 PM Dorothy Chandler Pavilion George Bush served as U.S. President from 1989 to 1993. During his term the Cold War ended, a democratic Russia replaced the Soviet Union, the Berlin Wall fell, and Eastern Europe almost completely transformed. President Bush put together an unprecedented coalition of 32 nations to liberate Kuwait, paving the way for Israel and her Arab neighbors to renew the quest for peace in the Middle East. Only the second President to serve a full term without party control in either chamber of Congress, President Bush nevertheless successfully brokered a number of ground-breaking legislative and policy actions, among them the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Clean Air Act, and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). President Bush is the author of two books – A World Transformed, co-written with General Brent Scowcroft and All The Best, a collection of letters. Issues for discussion include Iraq, pressures on a president, and his relationship and Good Samaritan work with President Clinton. Don’t miss out on this special opportunity!               Receive up to $10 off* The Honorable Madeleine Albright! Tuesday March 13, 2007 @ 8:00 PM Dorothy Chandler Pavilion Madeleine Albright served as the 64th United States Secretary of State, the first woman to hold the office. Prior to her appointment, she served as the ambassador to the United Nations. She is a co-founder the Center for National Policy and served as president of the organization. In 1982, Albright began her tenure at Georgetown University, where she continues to teach today. She is the author of a best-selling memoir Madame Secretary, and The Mighty and the Almighty: Reflections on America, God and World Affairs. Don’t miss out on this special opportunity!   Our Olvera-Street.com subscribers will receive a special discount! * Discount applies to Silver ($75) and Bronze ($50) level seating only. Tickets subject to availability. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. Other restrictions may apply. No refunds, cancellations or exchanges. Offer not available at Ticketmaster outlets. To receive $10 off, select regular priced $75 tickets from the drop down menu, and enter number of tickets under the Promotions and Special Offers header, followed by promotional code. For $10 off Silver Level Seating use promotional code: MCSS1 To receive $5 off, select regular priced $50 tickets from the drop down menu, and enter number of tickets under the Promotions and Special Offers header, followed by promotional code. For $5 off Bronze Level Seating use promotional code: MCSS2 2 Ways to Buy:   1)     Click to Order Online 2)     Call Ticketmaster:      213-480-3232 Visit www.musiccenter.org/spkser.html for more information.   The following speakers are scheduled to appear at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion: Honorable Vicente Fox: January 29th Jim Lehrer: February 15th Dr. Maya Angelou: February 23rd Honorable George H.W. Bush: March 12th Honorable Madeleine Albright: March 13th Honorable William Jefferson Clinton: April 15th George Will: April 30th Joan Didion: May 7th Fareed Zakaria: May 14th Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.: June 7th Bob Woodward: June 8th         Receive a 10-20% Discount* The Joffrey Ballet! The Joffrey Ballet, one of the world's most beloved ballet companies, returns to Los Angeles with an exciting program that includes the works of legendary choreographers Twyla Tharp, George Balanchine, and Leonide Massine, an exciting West Coast premiere by Donald Byrd and favorites by Kurt Joss and Laura Dean. Set to music that includes contemporary artists like The Beach Boys, Prince, and a variety of Motown talent, plus classics like Tchaikovsky and Chabrier, The Joffrey Ballet is sure to provide enjoyment for audiences of all ages. Don’t miss out on this special opportunity! Performance Dates/Times Thursday, March 22, 2007 Program A 7:30 PM Friday, March 23, 2007 Program B 7:30 PM Saturday, March 24, 2007 Program B 2:00 PM Saturday, March 24, 2007 Program B 7:30 PM Program Choreographer/Composer Program A Les Presages Leonide Massine/ Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky The Green Table Kurt Joss/ Frederick Cohen Apollo George Balanchine/ Igor Stravinsky Program B Deuce Coupe Twyla Tharp/ Beach Boys Motown Suite (West Coast Premiere) Donald Byrd/ Various Motown Artists Sometimes it Snows in April Laura Dean/ Prince Rogers Nelson Our Olvera-Street.com subscribers will receive a special discount! *20% (Friday)/ 10% (Thursday) off Premiere Orchestra, Orchestra, Orchestra Ring, Founders and Loge seating ONLY. Tickets subject to availability. Not valid on Saturday performances or on previously purchased tickets. Other restrictions may apply. No refunds, cancellations or exchanges. Offer not available at Ticketmaster outlets. Offer expires March 15, 2007. Use promotional code: GRSRTS 3 Ways to Buy: 1) Click to Order Online http://www.ticketmaster.com/promo/vk0rys 2) Order by Phone: 213-365-3500 3) Order in Person: Dorothy Chandler Pavilion Box Office 135 North Grand Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90012                     This Event is Canceled.  The producers apologize for the inconvenience and  we will let you know of any future performances. Chita Rivera: The Dancer’s Life   Two Time Tony Award Winner®, Chita Rivera, returns in her own show that celebrates her astonishing career. The Dancer’s Life charts Chita’s amazing journey from aspiring ballerina to Broadway Legend. In story and song, she relives fascinating moments from the years she spent working with such greats as Bernstein, Fosse, and Sondheim. And she performs knockout numbers from some of her biggest hits, including West Side Story, Chicago, Bye Bye Birdie, and Kiss of the Spider Woman.                     The Honorable William J. Clinton 42 President of the United States Sunday, April 15, 2007, 8:00 PM William Jefferson Clinton was elected President of the United States in 1992, and again in 1996. Under his leadership, the United States enjoyed the strongest economy in a generation and the longest economic expansion in U.S. history. President Clinton currently heads the William J. Clinton Presidential Foundation, established to strengthen the capacity of people in the United States and throughout the world to meet the challenges of global interdependence. To accomplish this mission, the Foundation currently focuses its work on: the battle against HIV/AIDS, climate change, global poverty and childhood obesity in the United States through the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. There will not be any discount offered for this event since it will quickly be sold out! Don’t miss out on this opportunity! To purchase tickets visit: http://www.ticketmaster.com/promo/24pylg               March 21 is an official Méxican holiday celebrating the birthday of Benito Juárez, Méxican president and hero. “Viva Juarez!”   “El respecto al direcho ajeno es la paz” (If you respect others there will be peace) - Benito Juárez   To learn more about him, click here!               Past Events on Olvera Street   Mardi Gras Tuesday, February 20, 5 PM - 10 PM Olvera Street's evening Mardi Gras festivities were unexpectedly canceled on February 20, leaving many wanna-be revelers without a parade. However, the Mardi Gras did transpired during the morning with the Olvera Street Merchant's children's parade. Olvera-Street.com regrets any inconvenience caused by El Pueblo's decision to cancel their previously scheduled evening parade. The Olvera Street Merchants presented their annual Mardi Gras celebration on Fat Tuesday, February 20, with their day program from 9 AM-12 Noon. Children's workshops, the crowning of the Little King & Queen, a parade and piñata were featured. A good time was had by all. At least during the morning hours. To learn more about the history of Mardi Gras, click here!             Past Events on Olvera Street   The Chinese American Museum Presents Lantern Festival 2007 Festival de las Faroles   The Chinese American Museum featured the Lantern Festival 2007, the "Festival de las Faroles," on March 3 at the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument adjacent of Olvera Street. Live music, lion dancing, martial arts, lantern and kite making, a Feng Shui and Acupuncture workshop were featured, and a good time was had by all. To learn more about the history of the Lantern Festival, click here!             Got Gas?   As a public service we at Olvera-Street.com want to help you find the least painfully-expensive gas in your area. To find out the best gas prices around, click here! If you have any other suggestions for links that our community can either learn or benefit from such as scholarships, community programs, et cetera, please submit them to us.                 “We can choose to use our lives for others to bring about a better and more just world for our children.”                                                - Cesar Chavez                             Thank You for Visiting! Bookmark Olvera-Street.com and our “See LA”  link as a reference... and visit us often to find out about the latest arts, fundraisers, business mixers, screenings and much more. We hope you will visit us often throughout 2007. Please e-mail this page to anyone you think may be interested.              Viva Cesar E. Chavez and President Benito Juarez!          Enjoy your St. Patrick’s Day!                    May all your wishes and dreams come true. John Trausch, Editor & Ginette Rondeau, Director   For more information about www.Olvera-Street.com  comments or suggestions, contact our Webmaster@ibiz360.com

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